Simon & Schuster to offer e-books to libraries

The publisher of Stephen King, Bob Woodward and other top-selling authors has changed its policy of withholding e-books from libraries.

Simon & Schuster announced a 1-year pilot program Monday with library systems in three New York City boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. Simon & Schuster had been the last of the “Big Six” publishers to keep its entire e-catalog off-limits from libraries. Publishers have worried that free library downloads could lead to lost sales.

Such popular Simon & Schuster books as Doris Kearns Goodwin‘s “Team of Rivals” and Walter Isaacson‘s “Steve Jobs” will be made available in digital editions. The pilot program begins April 30. Simon & Schuster CEO Carolyn Reidy said Monday that she hopes to add more libraries even before the 1-year trial period is over.